Cambridge University Press Social Entrepreneurship: Theory and Practice

Review “Science can open a new line of understanding by observing phenomena closely. This is what is happening with Richard Praszkier and Andrzej Nowak’s book. It is a fascinating read that blends together cutting-edge scientific understanding with real life stories. It is a book that will not only explain but also invite much needed social change.” -- Andrea Bartoli, Columbia University“World changers who are seeking inspiration, guidance, and how-to's should read this book; each of the twelve chapters is an encyclopedic synthesis of compelling social entrepreneurs’ stories and successful models for growing positive impact and building networks that improve society.” – R. Paul Herman, CEO, www.HIPinvestor.com“This book is unique: it combines rich and colorful cases from hard-earned practical experience with a theoretical basis for social entrepreneurship. Placed in the context of the social capital and social network theories, the work will show you how to find a fulcrum for change and how to leverage in producing lasting results. Praszkier and Nowak will tell you what characterizes successful social entrepreneurs and how to set off a process of social innovation for the betterment of communities, societies and, indeed, the world. With this book, the authors help institutionalize social entrepreneurship as a major force for the good.” – Vladimir Zwass, Fairleigh Dickinson University"...valuable.... The depth of this volume differs from that of how-to books such as Rupert Scofield's The Social Entrepreneur's Handbook (2011), or extended case study type works like Muhammad Yunus's Building Social Business (CH, Sep'10, 48-0381). This work will add clarity to any course covering social entrepreneurship.... Highly recommended..." --J. J. Janney, University of Dayton, CHOICE"...Social Entrepreneurship: Theory and Practice provides good, concrete examples of successful social entrepreneurs, an overview of the processes, and a good introduction that offers opportunities for further discussion and motivation for research and development. It would be a valuable asset for any student wanting to learn about the field of social entrepreneurship, the development of social capital, and the functions of networks. The references provide a broad listing of research done on this topic..." --Mr. George W. Doherty, PsycCRITIQUES Product Description Social Entrepreneurship: Theory and Practice is about the creative ways in which social entrepreneurs solve pressing and insurmountable social problems. Theories of social change are presented to help demystify the 'magic' of making an immense, yet durable and irreversible, social impact. Utilizing case studies drawn from various fields and all over the world, the authors document how social entrepreneurs foster bottom-up change that empowers people and societies. They also review the specific personality traits of social entrepreneurs and introduce the new kind of leadership they represent. This book will be valuable to undergraduate, graduate and postgraduate students, while remaining accessible to non-academic readers thanks to its clear language, illustrative case studies and guidelines on how to become a successful social entrepreneur. Book Description This book is about the creative ways in which social entrepreneurs solve pressing and insurmountable social problems. About the Author Ryszard Praszkier, Ph.D., is a researcher at the University of Warsaw Complex Systems Research Center. His main field of interest involves the mechanisms of profound peaceful transitions, including social-change processes facilitated by social entrepreneurs, with a special focus on the role and properties of social networks supporting durable social change. Dr Praszkier has authored several academic publications regarding how social entrepreneurs find innovative ways to approach intractable conflicts. For more than 15 years, he has worked for Ashoka, Innovators for the Public, an in